Being in Europe worth £30million to Sunderland in six years

Being part of the EU was worth more than £30million to Sunderland in just six years, claim those campaigning to keep Britain within Europe.

The Stronger in Europe campaign says Sunderland received £36million during the 2007-2013 European Structural Funds programme.

Payments included:

* £1,340,000 to the University of Sunderland to provide graduate internships in local small and medium-sized firms;

* £3,203,959 to Sunderland College for several projects to support skills training and local apprenticeships;

* £4,480,000 to Sunderland City Council for the development of the Sunderland Software City initiative;

* £2,750,000 Sunderland City Council for the development of the A19 Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Enterprise Zone;

* £1,020,000 to city developer Hellens Investments to build starter units at West Chirton.

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott is among those backing the Stronger in Campaign.

She said: “For the people of Sunderland, the benefits of our EU membership are many.

“These are just some of the examples of the financial benefits that we have received.

“For the sake of jobs, growth and security, it is important that we remain members of the European Union.”

Jessie Jacobs, North East field director for Britain Stronger in Europe, added: “Being a member of Europe’s free trade single market brings jobs, low prices and investment to the UK.

“Part of that investment is from Europe directly.

“The North East is a net recipient of funds from the EU and it supports our communities on Wearside.

“From boosting technology development at Sunderland Software City to the A19 low carbon enterprise creating the jobs of tomorrow, this research shows how European investment is directly benefiting Sunderland.

“Funding to cover jobs, skills and local infrastructure is crucial in a region where we have the country’s highest unemployment rate.

“Voting to leave Europe would be a risk because this funding would disappear. There would be huge economic damage and the Government would not be able to guarantee these funds would be available.”